The restaurant business is considered as one of the most competitive industries in the world. There will be a large number of eating places in any populated area which caters to different individual needs. While some offer fast food, others might be devoted to more health conscious people. There could even be specialized eateries which provide various varieties of only one dish like soups or salads. In order to start a new restaurant of your own, you will need to have plenty of commitment, attention to detail and planning to ensure that it is a success.
Form a clear outline of your restaurant's menu before starting. Determine the growth areas of the industry and your target customer base. Identify the ways in which you will meet the needs of the market by, say, offering free deliveries or special cuisines. Do a thorough analysis of all the competing eateries in the area and figure out ways in which you can improve upon their offerings. Ascertaining various business strategies will help you implement and maintain a competitive edge over others.
Using all the information you have gathered during your research, develop a detailed business plan. Use it to organize and develop milestones you would need to meet for the growth of the business. Use the business plan to develop a budget to determine all the startup costs as well as funding needs. Establish the company structure of your restaurant and register with all relevant state authorities.
Depending on your requirements, choose an appropriate location and lease, build or purchase a building. Make sure that the kitchen area is large enough to accommodate all the staff, equipment, freezers, etc. The seating area should also be large enough to accommodate all the guests you have in mind and the required design elements. Apply for all the necessary licenses and permits and be prepared for a visit from city officials who will want to inspect the facility to ensure that it meets all safety codes.
Lease or purchase all the equipment, furniture, etc. that you require and ensure that it is safely installed. Ensure that all your equipment have proper guarantees to protect it from future damages. Remember to secure a strong insurance policy which protects all the aspects of your business, including you and your staff, from any liabilities.
After you have secured all the necessary paperwork, start hiring the necessary members of your staff. Do this as early as possible to ensure the quality of employees. Make sure that the people you hire have good records and are experienced in the hospitality industry. Provide them with aprons or uniforms and ensure that they look clean and tidy. Make sure that they are aware of the restaurant's procedures and policies.
After you have set up your restaurant, promote it as aggressively as you can. Advertise in your local newspaper, radio station, etc. Provide samples from your menu to potential customers to lure them in. Also ensure that you maintain all the safety and health requirements to prevent any problems with the food you serve.
